Whether visiting or residing in a specific place, you can likely agree that the stay is much more enjoyable if you feel welcome and at home. A positive mindset, a welcoming approach, and polite behavior are key to determining which countries are the friendliest. Naturally, answers vary from person to person as each individual has their own experiences. However, when it comes down to concrete data, the countries below have earned their rightful place on this list.
Have you ever wondered what the world’s friendliest countries are and what makes them stand out? Thanks to extensive research, we now know which nations are most welcoming to people seeking to learn their culture and integrate into their community. Very often, the friendliest countries are some of the best countries in the world to live in and come with high rankings in important factors like social welfare, quality of life, and cultural influence.
From Australia and Spain to Finland and Thailand, here are the ten friendliest countries ranked by the U.S. News & World Report based on answers submitted by global survey respondents.
Australia
Global survey respondents have spoken and named Australia the world’s friendliest destination. This country, with 26 million people, ranked fourth among the best countries overall and came in as the world’s third most agile nation. Australia also boasts strong cultural influence, heritage, and quality of life.
Kangaroos, koalas, and the Sydney Opera House are all cherished icons of this Oceanic country that has been inhabited for as long as 50,000 years. Thanks to destinations like well-preserved coral reefs and tropical beaches, Australia came in 8th in adventure. Another great thing about the Commonwealth nation is its openness to business and entrepreneurship, shadowed only by a strong social purpose and belief in religious freedom and human rights.
Spain
With a population of nearly 48 million, this warm Mediterranean nation is home to iconic landmarks, tasty food, and a culture that has spread throughout the world over centuries of colonization. Nowadays, Spain also is the second friendliest country in the world, according to the respondents involved in the U.S. News & World Report.
Ranking #17 in the best countries overall, Spain is a highly adaptable nation whose inhabitants report a high quality of life and hold a strong social purpose. While people from Spain are generally very open and friendly, the towns’ laidback and easygoing vibe attracts many visitors from around the world. On top of it all, Spain also came in third in heritage and fourth in adventure, making it a perfect destination for most travelers.
New Zealand
This picturesque island country in Oceania consists of two main landmasses and over seven hundred smaller islands. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, New Zealand is typically named one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Now, it is also ranked the third friendliest nation in the world.
With a population of just over five million, New Zealand came in eighth on the list of best countries overall thanks to its efficiency in adapting to the ever-changing social environment and significant progress in human rights, religious freedom, and a sense of cultural cohesion. Respondents further reported a high quality of life and vast opportunities for adventure. Last but not least, New Zealand came in fourth in the 2023 Global Peace Index report on the world’s most peaceful nations.
Canada
Canada is fourth on the friendliness list, the second-best country overall, and the second-largest nation in the world. Known for their strong entrepreneurial spirit, Canadians enjoy a high quality of life and a powerful social purpose based on the belief that all individuals are equal and worthy of respect.
In addition to these precious values, Canada is also known for its peace-loving approach and high security with low crime rates. The country of 39 million people and the capital of Ottawa also happens to be one of the most scenic countries in the world, with pristine and untouched natural treasures such as turquoise lakes, wild forests, and incredible mountain ranges spanning the nation.
Italy
Italy has it all. From alpine beauty to over 4,660 miles of coastline, this Southern European country is famous for its rich history, vast vineyards, and ancient ruins dating back to the Roman Empire. Thanks to its high rankings in adventure and status as an immigrant-friendly nation, it is the fifth friendliest country in the world.
Italy ranked #15 in best countries in the world and #1 in heritage and cultural influence thanks to the ever-present remnants of the Roman and Greek civilizations scattered across the peninsula. It also came in second in adventure, third in solo travel, and third in studying abroad.
Portugal
Another Mediterranean nation worth mentioning is Portugal, the 6th friendliest country in the world and the 25th best country overall. Nestled on the outer edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal boasts a mild climate, diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm people who welcome visitors. If ancient castles and vibrant cities are your thing, you’ll be happy to know that this country has plenty, hence its ranking as the #6 best country in adventure.
Home to over ten million people, Portugal outperforms dozens of other countries in quality of life, social purpose, and heritage. Compared to Italy, it is also more open to business and entrepreneurship. Portugal is among the most agile and adaptable nations in the world.
Ireland
From emerald landscapes and traditional horse races to Celtic ballads and pints filled with pitch-black Guinness, Ireland is often named one of the friendliest countries in the world. On the U.S. News & World Report, the Emerald Isle ranked the 7th friendliest nation thanks to the Irish being a most welcoming bunch to visitors from around the world. It came in 23rd on the list of best countries overall.
Ireland welcomes not only visitors but also corporations seeking to expand their business in the country. Another great trait is the country’s rich heritage, accompanied by plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. The inventors of St. Patrick’s Day ranked third on the 2023 Global Peace Index list, beating out 160 countries.
Greece
Greece is a popular summer destination famed for its iconic beaches, paradise-like islands, and rich history dating back several millennia. Whether you’re going to Greece for leisure or to expand your knowledge about ancient civilization, you’ll be happy to know that the country ranked 8th on the list of friendliest nations, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
The Greeks are famous for their laidback vibes and friendly approach towards visitors, so a warm welcome is almost guaranteed. What makes this historic nation even more inviting to outsiders is its good food, scenic nature, and rich culture. Greece ranked second in heritage, third in adventure, and thirteenth in cultural influence.
Finland
Unsurprisingly, another one of the world’s safest countries is also one of the friendliest. Finland ranked 9th on the friendliness list and 14th in the best countries overall. The nation ranked exceptionally high in social purpose and quality of life, securing third and fifth place, respectively. Finland also came in third in openness for business, meaning it is friendly to visitors and those seeking to make money the honest way.
Besides a high standard of living and a strong economy, the nation is famous for saunas and world-renowned Aurora borealis sites. It is filled with people who are generally kind and open-minded. Good manners and practicality are appreciated if you’re looking to move here.
Thailand
Thailand—the land of the free—is home to nearly 72 million people and is one of the world’s most visited countries, thanks to its pristine beaches, ancient temples, and authentic Thai cuisine. Ranking 10th on the friendliness list, this Southeast Asian nation was named the 29th best country overall due to its openness to business, rich heritage, and fast growth.
Coming in fifth in the adventure ranking, Thailand is often dubbed a fun, friendly, and tourist-welcoming country. Its people are no different – Thais are well known for their hospitality, politeness, and social cohesion inspired by a predominantly Buddhist population.